RECIPES

It's St. Patty's Day folks, and Axis Artistry is celebrating! No, not among the green beer drinking revelers, but rather whipping up an acne-fighting-oh-so-yummy matcha green tea facial mask! Here's the scoop:

Matcha is a finely milled, high quality green tea (the most exceptional ones hail from Japan). A powerhouse antioxidant (higher levels than spinach, blueberries and dark chocolate!), great for detoxification, and helpful in fighting infection and bacteria (due to catechin content) -- Matcha is a clear choice for clear skin. Plus, with it's vibrant green hue (derived from it's rich chlorophyll content) it's a fun DIY project for all the eco-beauties under your roof (especially the wee ones!).

Here's the recipe for combination, oily, or acne-prone skin:

1 Tablespoon Matcha Powder

1/2 Tablespoon warm water

A strong squeeze of a fresh lemon (remove any stray seeds, obvi)

1/4 Teaspoon Honey (optional, but adds healing properties)

Whip together and apply with clean fingers or mask brush. Allow mask to sit for 10-15 minutes (maybe drink some matcha while you wait!)

For mature, dry or sensitized skin, try this variation:

1 Tablespoon Matcha Powder

1/2 Tablespoon warm water

1/4 ripe avocado mashed

1/4 Teaspoon Honey

Mash ingredients together, add more water if consistency seems too thick. Leave out the astringent lemon juice --instead the avocado will add moisture-locking benefits as will the honey (a natural humectant).